Helmut Marko reflects on Red Bull era with Max Verstappen: "No one could have imagined"

Former Red Bull motorsport adviser Dr Helmut Marko has applauded Max Verstappen's growth in Formula 1 as he explains he's at a point in his career where he longer needs guidance.

Marko has been instrumental in the four-time champion's journey in the series. The Austrian oversaw the development of young drivers while running the Red Bull Junior Team, during which time he nurtured Verstappen and fellow four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, among many others.

The 82-year-old decided to step down from his role at the Milton Keynes outfit at the end of 2025 and has since spoken about Verstappen's progress in the team during an interview with F1 Insider.

The Dutchman quickly matured in the championship. Since joining Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) at the age of 17, Verstappen has become much more level-headed in his approach and Marko explained that he is now a leader within the team.

"Max is now a father, has cats and dogs, a balanced life – and is clearly one of the greats in motorsport, if not the greatest," Marko said. "But he has developed to such an extent that he no longer needs guidance. It would be presumptuous of me to add anything to that. In that sense, it's a good solution."

Marko and Verstappen have a strong relationship. Opening up about telling Verstappen about his decision to leave Red Bull, Marko added: "We had arranged to have dinner in Dubai, and I wanted to tell him then, because I had just had a conversation with Oliver Mintzlaff.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

"But then there was a problem with his plane, and I couldn't tell him in person. However, I called him the next day and explained. We talked about the past, not nostalgically, but: what we've achieved is something no one could have imagined."

Marko believes Verstappen will win several more championship titles if he is given the right car.

"For Max, it's not over yet," he continued. "I don't see any end to his abilities, his incredible driving skills, and his technical intuition. If the right car is available, he'll win several more world championship titles."